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* EDIT: Up-to-date information is available in Yek's Guide to the Fractal Audio Amplifier Models *
JAZZ 120: based on Roland Jazz Chorus JC-120
Welcome to the only current Fractal Audio model that’s based on a solid-state amp: the venerable Roland Jazz Chorus JC-120.
Back in the 80s I owned one, even though I didn’t play jazz. There were a lot of these amps around, especially in the jazz and jazz-rock scene. I remember seeing Billy Cobham’s guitar player using one. Although it’s an ultra-clean amp by itself, it handles drive pedals well. I acieved great overdriven tones with my JC-120 using an original H&K Tube Factor pedal or a Tubescreamer. Famous JC-120 players include Andy Summers, Alex Lifeson, and many more.
The JC-120 enjoyed a revival in the metal and nu-metal era. Bands such as Metallica and Limp Bizkit used them to for clean parts in their songs.
These amps are associated with ultra-clean tones and its famous built-in chorus/vibrato. It’s a true stereo-chorus. Roland calls it their Dimensional Space Chorus. This seems to refer to Roland’s Dimension chorus, but the JC-120’s built-in chorus circuit is identical to the famous vintage CE-1. As a matter of fact, the JC’s chorus predates the CE-1.
The chorus isn’t a part of the amp model. To replicate it in our Fractal devices, use the CHORUS block, set it to CE-2 and place it after the AMP block to keep it stereo.
Javajunkie replicates the famous CE-1 chorus.
Roland (current JC-120):
The 120 stands for 120 watts, which is 60 watts per side. The amp has two channels. The Normal channel 1 doesn’t have any effects, while the Effect channel provides chorus, reverb and drive. Because of the chorus everybody uses the Effect channel. It has two inputs per channel.
The JC-120 does provide a Distortion control. But the distortion created by that control on channel 2 sounds so terrible, so laughable bad, that it should be forbidden by law to use it.
The amp’s controls: Volume, Bass, Mid, Treble, Bright switch. Not modeled: Distortion, Chorus, Reverb.
AFAIK the real amp has no Master Volume control. But the model’s Master doesn’t default to 10, which accounts for the model’s very low output. I believe this may be an oversight, so I always turn up the Master control to 10. I also engage the Bright switch. It's been a while since I tested this model, and with these settings it delivers a very nice clean tone with body.
Manual
For its stereo output the JC-120 relies on two 12” Roland speakers (silver Alnico). We used to have these available as stock cabs before firmware 18, but they were replaced. Cab Pack 21 provides JC-120 IRs. Or try other Alnico stock cabs, such as stock cab #94.
JAZZ 120: based on Roland Jazz Chorus JC-120
Welcome to the only current Fractal Audio model that’s based on a solid-state amp: the venerable Roland Jazz Chorus JC-120.
Back in the 80s I owned one, even though I didn’t play jazz. There were a lot of these amps around, especially in the jazz and jazz-rock scene. I remember seeing Billy Cobham’s guitar player using one. Although it’s an ultra-clean amp by itself, it handles drive pedals well. I acieved great overdriven tones with my JC-120 using an original H&K Tube Factor pedal or a Tubescreamer. Famous JC-120 players include Andy Summers, Alex Lifeson, and many more.
The JC-120 enjoyed a revival in the metal and nu-metal era. Bands such as Metallica and Limp Bizkit used them to for clean parts in their songs.
These amps are associated with ultra-clean tones and its famous built-in chorus/vibrato. It’s a true stereo-chorus. Roland calls it their Dimensional Space Chorus. This seems to refer to Roland’s Dimension chorus, but the JC-120’s built-in chorus circuit is identical to the famous vintage CE-1. As a matter of fact, the JC’s chorus predates the CE-1.
The chorus isn’t a part of the amp model. To replicate it in our Fractal devices, use the CHORUS block, set it to CE-2 and place it after the AMP block to keep it stereo.
Javajunkie replicates the famous CE-1 chorus.
Roland (current JC-120):
“First introduced way back in 1975, the JC-120 Jazz Chorus is one of the few guitar amps that can truly be called a legend. Roland’s long-standing flagship is universally recognized by pros as the benchmark in clean guitar sound, and its rich tone and famous built-in stereo chorus effect have been heard on countless popular songs over its long history. Now celebrating 40 years of continuous production and counting, the JC-120 remains the undisputed “king of clean,” and the enduring choice of serious guitarists everywhere.”
The 120 stands for 120 watts, which is 60 watts per side. The amp has two channels. The Normal channel 1 doesn’t have any effects, while the Effect channel provides chorus, reverb and drive. Because of the chorus everybody uses the Effect channel. It has two inputs per channel.
The JC-120 does provide a Distortion control. But the distortion created by that control on channel 2 sounds so terrible, so laughable bad, that it should be forbidden by law to use it.
The amp’s controls: Volume, Bass, Mid, Treble, Bright switch. Not modeled: Distortion, Chorus, Reverb.
AFAIK the real amp has no Master Volume control. But the model’s Master doesn’t default to 10, which accounts for the model’s very low output. I believe this may be an oversight, so I always turn up the Master control to 10. I also engage the Bright switch. It's been a while since I tested this model, and with these settings it delivers a very nice clean tone with body.
Manual
For its stereo output the JC-120 relies on two 12” Roland speakers (silver Alnico). We used to have these available as stock cabs before firmware 18, but they were replaced. Cab Pack 21 provides JC-120 IRs. Or try other Alnico stock cabs, such as stock cab #94.
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